Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and philosophy based on teachings attributed to the Buddha, a śramaṇa and religious teacher who lived in the 6th or 5th cen
The Kamakura Daibutsu, a 13th-century bronze statue of the Buddha Amitābha in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
The Buddha, Tapa Shotor monastery in Hadda, Afghanistan, 2nd century CE
Maya Devi Temple marking the Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal
The Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths. Sanskrit manuscript. Nalanda, Bihar, India
Mahayana is the largest branch of Buddhism, followed by Theravada. It is a broad group of Buddhist traditions, texts, philosophies, and practices that developed in various regions and Buddhist communi
The Five Buddhas in Shishoin Temple (Tokyo). Mahāyāna holds there are multiple buddhas which one can interact with. These buddhas are also able to send manifestations to our world to teach and guide beings.
Mahāyāna Buddhist triad, including Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha, and Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. 2nd–3rd century CE, Gandhāra
An illustration in a manuscript of the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra from Nalanda, depicting the bodhisattva Maitreya, an important figure in Mahāyāna
Seated Avalokiteshvara bodhisattva. Gandharan, from Loriyan Tangai. Kushan period, 1st – 3rd century CE. Indian Museum, Calcutta